Journal of Adolescence, 32(4), August 2009, pp.835-848.
Publisher:
Academic Press
This paper presents the findings of the third phase of a longitudinal study of families created by assisted reproduction. The quality of parent–child relationships was examined close to the adolescent's 18th birthday in 26 in vitro fertilization (IVF) families and 26 donor insemination (DI) families in comparison with 38 adoptive families and 63 natural conception families matched for demographic characteristics. A significantly higher level of mother–adolescent warmth was found between the assisted reproduction and the adoptive families, between the DI and natural conception families and between the DI and IVF families. IVF mothers showed significantly greater disciplinary indulgence than natural conception mothers, and significantly lower disciplinary aggression than DI mothers. No differences were identified between fathers for warmth or conflict. Only 2 DI children were aware of their donor conception.
This paper presents the findings of the third phase of a longitudinal study of families created by assisted reproduction. The quality of parent–child relationships was examined close to the adolescent's 18th birthday in 26 in vitro fertilization (IVF) families and 26 donor insemination (DI) families in comparison with 38 adoptive families and 63 natural conception families matched for demographic characteristics. A significantly higher level of mother–adolescent warmth was found between the assisted reproduction and the adoptive families, between the DI and natural conception families and between the DI and IVF families. IVF mothers showed significantly greater disciplinary indulgence than natural conception mothers, and significantly lower disciplinary aggression than DI mothers. No differences were identified between fathers for warmth or conflict. Only 2 DI children were aware of their donor conception.
Children and Youth Services Review, 126, 2021, p.106026.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Many children who experience serious adversity with their birth family have to be placed in family-based alternatives, such as foster care, or adoption. Caregivers and parents are then expected to show these children nurturing patterns of relating to others through affectionate and stimulating interactions. These are essential for establishing positive ties within new families. In the present
(Edited publisher abstract)
Many children who experience serious adversity with their birth family have to be placed in family-based alternatives, such as foster care, or adoption. Caregivers and parents are then expected to show these children nurturing patterns of relating to others through affectionate and stimulating interactions. These are essential for establishing positive ties within new families. In the present study, we explored the adult-child interactions that took place in 116 families from Spain: 28 long-term non-kin foster families, 34 adoptive families, and a community comparison group made up of 54 families. The interactions between the child and the main caregiver were explored with a micro-analytic approach, which examined in detail the exchange of verbal and non-verbal behaviours in each dyad while they were performing a joint construction task. We sought to analyse these interactions by focusing on the adults’ use of some behaviours that are known to promote a secure attachment. We also aimed to examine the adults’ performances between the different groups. Results revealed that parents and caregivers in every group generally displayed a wide range of attachment-facilitating behaviours. They tended to do this in a consistent and coherent way, developing an interaction pattern that promotes their secure relationship with the child. Contrasts between the groups indicated that foster and adoptive families showed significant differences in relation to the comparison group, as their use of attachment-facilitating behaviours was higher than that of the community dyads. Given the importance of security, belonging and commitment as key factors in the success of family-based care, implications for interventions regarding the quality of adult-child interactions will be discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
relationships, foster care, adoption, parent-child relations, attachment;
This briefing note highlights the evidence on contact emerging from three reviews commissioned by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and raises points for reflection and discussion about potential areas for change and improvement. Good quality contact can benefit children by helping them to: return home where this is in the interests of their welfare; manage issues of loss and separation; maintain family relationships; and make sense of the past. In this way, good quality contact supports the development of identity. Poor quality contact on the other hand can contribute to poor outcomes for children. The briefing identifies six key messages for practitioners: focus on the quality of contact; listen to the views of children and young people; recognise the significance of siblings, grandparents, wider family and friends; ensure that all involved are clear about the purpose of contact; ensure that contact plans are tailored to each child and regularly reviewed; and ensure skilled professional support is available.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This briefing note highlights the evidence on contact emerging from three reviews commissioned by Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and raises points for reflection and discussion about potential areas for change and improvement. Good quality contact can benefit children by helping them to: return home where this is in the interests of their welfare; manage issues of loss and separation; maintain family relationships; and make sense of the past. In this way, good quality contact supports the development of identity. Poor quality contact on the other hand can contribute to poor outcomes for children. The briefing identifies six key messages for practitioners: focus on the quality of contact; listen to the views of children and young people; recognise the significance of siblings, grandparents, wider family and friends; ensure that all involved are clear about the purpose of contact; ensure that contact plans are tailored to each child and regularly reviewed; and ensure skilled professional support is available.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
looked after children, adoption, contact, birth parents, parent-child relations;
PANIAGUA Carmen, PALACIOS Jesús, JIMENEZ-MORAGO Jesus M.
Journal article citation:
Child and Family Social Work, 24(4), 2019, pp.512-518.
Publisher:
Wiley
Adoption breakdown has attracted an increasing amount of attention over recent years, and studies coincide in stating that the mean age at which this phenomenon occurs is early adolescence. Nevertheless, the specific factors which influence adoption breakdown, have never been empirically explored. The aim of this article is therefore to analyse these factors by comparing cases of adoption breakdown which occurred prior to the onset of adolescence with those occurring after the beginning of this developmental stage. The study explores 69 cases of adoption breakdown occurring over the course of a decade in one Spanish region, taking into consideration variables related to the adopted children, the adoptive parents, the parent–child relationship, and the professional support services provided to these families. The results reveal a clear difference in the profile of breakdowns occurring before and after the onset of adolescence and identify a series of factors which seem to have a stronger influence in each group, such as violence, timing of problems, and unrealistic expectations regarding the child. These findings have important implications for professional adoption services, such us the importance
(Publisher abstract)
Adoption breakdown has attracted an increasing amount of attention over recent years, and studies coincide in stating that the mean age at which this phenomenon occurs is early adolescence. Nevertheless, the specific factors which influence adoption breakdown, have never been empirically explored. The aim of this article is therefore to analyse these factors by comparing cases of adoption breakdown which occurred prior to the onset of adolescence with those occurring after the beginning of this developmental stage. The study explores 69 cases of adoption breakdown occurring over the course of a decade in one Spanish region, taking into consideration variables related to the adopted children, the adoptive parents, the parent–child relationship, and the professional support services provided to these families. The results reveal a clear difference in the profile of breakdowns occurring before and after the onset of adolescence and identify a series of factors which seem to have a stronger influence in each group, such as violence, timing of problems, and unrealistic expectations regarding the child. These findings have important implications for professional adoption services, such us the importance of early identification of difficulties and the provision of support during adolescence.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
placement disruption, adoption, parent-child relations, adolescence, data analysis;
International Social Work, 62(1), 2019, pp.271-282.
Publisher:
Sage
Although the objective of intercountry adoption is to provide parentless children with families, it also has other unintended consequences. Postcolonial theorists have shown that the intercountry adoption system is shaped by unequal power relations between the Global North and South. Drawing on interviews with South African adoption social workers and birth mothers, this article shifts attention from Global North perspectives to those of the Global South. By focusing on the circumstances of how children become available for adoption, some of the ways in which the adoption system participates in creating the pool of ‘abandoned’ children are explicated.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Although the objective of intercountry adoption is to provide parentless children with families, it also has other unintended consequences. Postcolonial theorists have shown that the intercountry adoption system is shaped by unequal power relations between the Global North and South. Drawing on interviews with South African adoption social workers and birth mothers, this article shifts attention from Global North perspectives to those of the Global South. By focusing on the circumstances of how children become available for adoption, some of the ways in which the adoption system participates in creating the pool of ‘abandoned’ children are explicated.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
adoption, social workers, intercountry adoption, mothers, parent-child relations;
Children and Youth Services Review, 48, 2015, pp.117-125.
Publisher:
Elsevier
... and South Korea were identified. Regression analysis showed that when country of origin was the sole predictor, adoption from the US private agencies, China, Russia and South Korea predicted higher parent-child relationship quality score than adoption from the US foster care system (referent). Adoption from Guatemala was not different from adoption from the US foster care system in parent-child needs status remained significant. However, none of the countries of origin except China remained significant in predicting higher parent-child relationship score. The findings showed that the unique circumstances that fuelled the availability of children from different countries to become available for adoption played some role in parent-child relationship quality. However, the adopted children's
(Edited publisher abstract)
Investigates adoptive parent-child relationship quality as a function of the adopted children's country of origin, pre-adoption adversity, age at placement, age, gender, and special healthcare needs status. From the 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents (NSAP; N = 2089) 1906 families that had adopted children from the US foster care system, US private agencies, China, Guatemala, Russia and South Korea were identified. Regression analysis showed that when country of origin was the sole predictor, adoption from the US private agencies, China, Russia and South Korea predicted higher parent-child relationship quality score than adoption from the US foster care system (referent). Adoption from Guatemala was not different from adoption from the US foster care system in parent-child relationship quality. In the absence of country of origin, being a boy, older age at placement, older age, having special healthcare needs, and more pre-adoption adversity all significantly predicted lower parent-child relationship quality scores. When country of origin and the above variables were entered into the regression model simultaneously, being a boy, age at placement, age, and special healthcare needs status remained significant. However, none of the countries of origin except China remained significant in predicting higher parent-child relationship score. The findings showed that the unique circumstances that fuelled the availability of children from different countries to become available for adoption played some role in parent-child relationship quality. However, the adopted children's gender, age at placement, age, and special healthcare needs were more predictive of post-adoption parent-child relationship quality.
(Edited publisher abstract)
... by staff from Coram Adoption service and the Anna Freud Centre. The courses were also evaluated and parents reported feeling significantly less stressed and more competent after the training, found their children more pleasurable and reported significant reduction in the children's levels of hyperactivity, conduct disorder and behavioural difficulties. The value of combining proven behavioural management
This article reports on the development of an adoption-specific parenting skills programme. Four courses of the BASIC Incredible Years programme were run at Coram family for adoptive parents. During these sessions notes were taken of adoption-related material which arose in discussion and during individual interviews with participants. Additional material for trainers and parents was developed by staff from Coram Adoption service and the Anna Freud Centre. The courses were also evaluated and parents reported feeling significantly less stressed and more competent after the training, found their children more pleasurable and reported significant reduction in the children's levels of hyperactivity, conduct disorder and behavioural difficulties. The value of combining proven behavioural management strategies with consideration of the specific challenges facing adoptive parents is highlighted.
This book looks at the feelings involved in preparing for a new kind of family life and dealing with the challenges along the way. He explores how men fit into the adoption scene today and looks at adoptive fatherhood as a topic in its own right - speaking as someone who has been there. Against a context in which our understanding of fathers, their roles and their purpose, is vague at the best
This book looks at the feelings involved in preparing for a new kind of family life and dealing with the challenges along the way. He explores how men fit into the adoption scene today and looks at adoptive fatherhood as a topic in its own right - speaking as someone who has been there. Against a context in which our understanding of fathers, their roles and their purpose, is vague at the best of times, this is an exploration of adoptive fatherhood as a topic in its own right. While fathers have been largely silent and unstudied figures, they can be key in their children's lives and play a crucial role in the success or failure of adoptive placement.
HARRIS-WALLER Jayne, GRANGER Charlotte, GURNEY-SMITH Ben
Journal article citation:
Adoption and Fostering, 40(4), 2016, pp.340-351.
Publisher:
Sage
This study aimed to increase understanding of the impact of the parenting task in a representative sample of adoptive and non-adoptive parents in the UK. Cross-sectional data from two UK samples were collected: (1) 86 adoptive parents and (2) 167 biological parents, of children aged 3–11 years. Parenting stress and parent-reported child internalising, externalising and attachment-related behaviour difficulties were assessed via online questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and analysis of covariance. Compared with their biological counterparts, adoptive parents described higher parenting stress, which was explained by their reports of greater child difficulties, including attachment-related problems. The same was found for biological parents but with lower levels of stress and child difficulties. Thus, the unique nature of the adoptive parenting task indicates that parenting stress should be considered a risk factor when difficulties are present in adoptive families. Furthermore, service thresholds may be better informed by this understanding, particularly as this study found that while just under half of children had high levels of difficulties, under one-third of parents reported receiving services.
(Publisher abstract)
This study aimed to increase understanding of the impact of the parenting task in a representative sample of adoptive and non-adoptive parents in the UK. Cross-sectional data from two UK samples were collected: (1) 86 adoptive parents and (2) 167 biological parents, of children aged 3–11 years. Parenting stress and parent-reported child internalising, externalising and attachment-related behaviour difficulties were assessed via online questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and analysis of covariance. Compared with their biological counterparts, adoptive parents described higher parenting stress, which was explained by their reports of greater child difficulties, including attachment-related problems. The same was found for biological parents but with lower levels of stress and child difficulties. Thus, the unique nature of the adoptive parenting task indicates that parenting stress should be considered a risk factor when difficulties are present in adoptive families. Furthermore, service thresholds may be better informed by this understanding, particularly as this study found that while just under half of children had high levels of difficulties, under one-third of parents reported receiving services.
(Publisher abstract)